Breaking the SILENCE !

PROMOTING…  SAFETY  FAMILY  LOVE  PEACE

what is domestic violence? domestic violence is a PATTERN OF COERCIVE BEHAVIOR that is used by a person against family or household members or dating partners to gain POWER OR CONTROL over the other party in a relationship.

what is domestic violence? This behavior may be include any of the following:  Physical violence  Sexual abuse  Emotional and Psychological Intimidation  Verbal abuse and Threats  Stalking  Isolation from friends and family  Economic control  Destruction of personal property  Animal cruelty

who can be a VICTIM?  EVERYONE & ANYONE…

what are the forms of DV?  PHYSCIAL abuse  EMOTIONAL (mental) abuse  SEXUAL abuse  ECONOMIC (financial)

variety of tactics abusers use

 Dominance  Humiliation  Isolation  Threats  Intimidation  Denial  Blame

what is the cycle of abuse? Tension Building phase Violent Episode “Honeymoon” phase

what are the warning signs?  Injuries and excuses  Absences from Work or School  Low Self – Esteem  Personality Changes  Fear of Conflict  Not knowing what one wants or how one feels  Self blame

Cultural Barriers in Abuse  Immigration issues -Failing to file papers to legalize her immigration status -Threatening to withdraw papers filed -Threatening to take her children away from U.S  Family violence, not just partner violence -Mother- In- Law, Father-in-law, Sister-in-law, Brother-in-law  Cultural stigma of divorce -Societal isolation -Character in Question -Hampering the self esteem

Cultural Barriers in Abuse  Family honor - Prevents women from leaving - “duty” to keep the family and marriage intact, despite abuse -Man has the right to take the decision and control -Man`s family always has more “say”  Cultural differences - Dowry system - Gender inequality

what can “I” do to be safe?  Call the police  Get support from a Domestic Violence Agency or Emergency Shelter  Get support from friends and family  Get medical help  Make a Safety Plan – see for more information on how to make a safety planwww.kiraninc.org

Resources…  Interact (Wake County) 24hr. Hotline  Kiran Crisis Counseling 24hr Hotline NCKIRAN  Legal Aid of North Carolina

Current Work Done Nationally  Karamah… Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights (DC)  Turning Point … For women and Families (NY)  Shelter in Charlotte for Muslim women

KIRAN  … is a multicultural, non-religious, community-based South Asian organization.  offers HOPE to South Asians in North Carolina who are victims of Domestic Violence  promotes SELF-RELIANCE & EMPOWERMENT of South Asian women and men who are in crisis through outreach, peer support and referrals in a confidential manner  serves people whose origin or background is from the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

KIRAN SERVICES  Provide culturally specific Crisis Counseling over hotline in different languages NC KIRAN  Emotional support to our clients  Information in a culture- and context-sensitive manner  Support group which deals with specific issues to South Asian  Language Assistance and Translation  Referrals to professional and community services regarding legal issues, health care, short-term child care, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter and housing

Lets talk… Openly, confidentially, with trust & NO JUDGEMENT